Pressography : A visual + narrative therapeutic practice

Using the power of art and storytelling to change the conversation around mental health

Insight

In Australia, almost 1 in 2 people will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime [1].

Traditional methods of treatment are falling short of solving this social problem and the stigma that surrounds these conditions impedes positive social change and better support.

We know that people want to talk. We know that people want to support each other. We know that creativity and human connection can be powerful tools for change in this area.

Idea

What if we didn't need to be unwell before we spoke about how we really feel?

What if we could have conversations with the people we know on a similar level of depth and vulnerability to the ones we have with a psychologist?

What if this practice was could be simple, accessible and visually appealing?

Pressography is a therapeutic framework that combines art, storytelling and human connection to help people have conversations that matter and to change the way we understand our mental health.

Based on the 6 narrative themes of: courage, freedom, joy, love, strength and resilience; the practice places a Pressographer and participant together in a room or via video link.

The Pressographer utilises the therapeutic framework to ask questions of the participant that invite the sharing of stories of life experiences based one of the 6 narrative themes eg. Tell me about a time in your life that you've truly had to exercise courage? Tell me about a time in your life that you felt absolute freedom?

The participant is given the time and space to reflect upon and share the stories of their life. The environment is safe, open and warm. Honesty and courageous sharing are encouraged and championed.

As the participant shares their stories, the Pressographer creates a Life Pressing artwork. Every ink line, form and colour added to the fine visual artwork represents a story, feeling or idea shared by the participant. The artwork is created as a live visual biography, resulting in a permanent, tangible celebration of the participant's life experiences. The artworks are vivid, striking and complex - a visual reflection of the human experience.

Impact

The Pressography practice has been utilised with participants from an an array of life stages - from children aged 6 right through to people in the final days and weeks of their life. It has also been utilised in programs with families, youth, professionals and people with disabilities.

The various programs based on the Pressography practice have received over $100K in arts health funding and awarded a coveted NSW Heath LHD Quality Award.

“Sometimes it’s just about being able to identify what someone you care about needs in their life. Pressography often brings up stories you may have never heard from the people closest to you. It’s such a simple thing - to make time for meaningful conversations that allow you to be more mindful of how to support and care for those around you. In turn, it also makes you much more self-aware of your own needs.”
- Jennifer Noorbergen, Editor Kaleido magazine

My role on this project encompassed:

• Conceptual Development
• Creative Direction
• Brand Strategy
• Health & Therapeutic Design
• Experiential Design
• Writer
• Educator
• Speaker
• Graphic Design
• Visual Artist